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Terminator 2: Judgment Day
8.1

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Set ten years after the events of the original, James Cameron’s classic sci-fi action flick tells the story of a second attempt to get rid of rebellion leader John Connor, this time targeting the boy himself. However, the rebellion has sent a reprogrammed terminator to protect Connor.

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Directed by James Cameron

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • James Cameron
Writer
  • James Cameron
  • William Wisher
Producer
  • James Cameron
  • Van Ling

Reviews

zag
10/10

Terminator 2 is basically one of the greatest films of all time, its an absolute must watch if you like Science Fiction, Action, or even Comedy films. It could have been so bad, but the film somehow pulls it off with crazy stunts, an amazing cast and a great story.

The film really tackles the fate of humanity straight on which gets you thinking about our path as a species but also what we can do today to change things. The story takes you on a journey which is one of the most believable time travel movies of all time.

The action scenes are fantastic, with wall to wall fighting, car chases and military maneuvers that will keep you on the edge of your seat. That's mixed with a great cast and brilliant story telling from the directory. I would say its even better than the first movie which is also a classic.

Overall I have probably seen this movie 20 or 30 times over the last 25 years(go is it that long!!) and still don't get bored. Its a timeless classic that I urge everyone to watch.

Feb 20, 2017

Gimly
9/10

While I am in that minority which believes it is actually the first _Terminator_ movie which is the best of the franchise, don't let that for one minute convince you I don't absolutely love _Judgement Day_. It's honestly pretty crazy to me how just bonkers good these first two _Terminator_ movies are. Especially when you consider how completely every single sequel managed to miss the mark.

I like to imagine that in the Good Timeline, where everything isn't Terrible™, this movie is exactly the same, but the trailer doesn't spoil the twist about Robert Patrick being a Terminator and Arnie being a good guy. I know that they also spoil the twist about who's a Terminator and who's not and who's a bad guy and who's not in the trailers for the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th too, but I'm pretty sure that in the Good Timeline those never got made, so whatever.

_Final rating:★★★★½ - Ridiculously strong appeal. I can’t stop thinking about it._

Mar 20, 2020

Kamurai
8/10

Great watch, will watch again, and can recommend.

This is everything the original was turned up one notch. Now Arnold is a caring unfeeling robot, and we missed a whole movie where Sarah Connor went hard into training.

This has twists, escapes, a liquid terminator, better special and practical effects, some big explosions, active discussion of how to change the future, and some really iconic moments.

The movie isn't chatty in the traditional sense, once Arnold gets involved, all the dialogue outside the asylum is very much to mechanically move the plot forward. The terminators don't voluntary "chat", they more vomit exposition dialogue.

While I'll always remember this as a great movie, it isn't without its flaws. Hearing John's pre-pubescent voice cracking almost made me turn it off, and I know I found a couple of (small) problems while I was watching, but I couldn't remember them by the end of the movie, so they're clearly not that important. I may have been a bad foley sound on a weapon, and probably something that the T-800 that didn't seem robo-talk enough.

I honestly don't know who isn't going to like this movie: it even has a low kill count.

Jul 29, 2020

GenerationofSwine
10/10

So, it is time to review the last good Terminator movie.

When T3 came out, I swear that people forgot it was even released... but at least it felt like it belonged in the Terminator franchise.

When Salvation dropped, it felt like it fit as well, but it was an MCG film, so it also felt like Terminator meets Mickey Mouse.

And when Terminator Typo was released, it kind of did it's best to completely alienate all the fans that the franchise had developed over the years.

But this one, well, this one actually was great. The Robert Patrick T-1000 liquid metal thing looked amazing, Patrick acted ominous and frightening, and seemed like a legit threat despite the size difference between he and Arnold.

And in the process the T-1000 managed to produce some truly creepy visuals.

And this John Connor, Edward Furlong, was absolutely amazing. You really got the sense from him that he could be the man that leads the rebellion in the future.

And, Sarah Connor was buff, and upped her game as the heroine that could do, well, actually do the action she was required to preform. And not only that she was creepy and obsessed as well. She looked and acted like the kind of survivalist that would train the future savior of the world.

It all came together as a brilliant move with old Arnold playing the good guy this time, and, though it was an obvious bank on his star power, they pulled it off so no one would care. Right down to the first meeting where John didn't know if he could be trusted or not.

It was a fantastic story with fantastic visuals, and it all made of a stellar and entertaining watch.

Jan 12, 2023

BryceSpencer
10/10

Behold what we like to call the Greatest Action Movie Ever Made, and for good reason. For me this sits without a doubt as one of the best movies (and movie sequels) I've ever seen. The action scenes, action set pieces, practical (and visual) effects are truly incredible for their time and still hold up today. Solid 10/10, highly recommend the full 2h 33m extended cut.

Jan 29, 2023

CinemaSerf
7/10

I'm never really a fan of kids in movies, but Edward Furlong turns in some attitude here with his performance as the ten year old "John Connor". Turns out that he is the target of the the latest "Skynet" plot to destroy the resistance to their impending world domination (in a worryingly close 2029!). They have sent a new, improved, "T1000" (Robert Patrick) back in time to throttle him. Luckily, his future self has had the presence of mind to send one of the original models (Arnold Schwarzenegger) back on protection detail. As the devastation mounts and the bodies pile up, the young man convinces his protector to get his mother out of her secure institution - the authorities weren't convinced about her stories of futuristic "terminator" robots after last time - and also, to stop routinely killing people! It took James Cameron quite a while to put this sequel together, and it is almost as good as the original. Loads of action, some great visual and pyrotechnic effects as well as some quite engaging comedy moments that allow the story to deliver a surprising amount of characterisation for an action movie. You do feel just the tiniest bit invested in them, and though I did find the denouement dragged out just a little, it's a solidly entertaining piece of big screen cinema that allows a man who really cannot act to own the screen. Great fun.

Aug 30, 2023

Narate
10/10

"_I need your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle._"

Just when you think the first one was great, this masterpiece shows up. Everything gets amped up in a good way. I will never forget watching this for the first time and thinking "how does it all look so damn cool?!" The first one is terrfiying where this is just awesome. Cameron's lighting and color grading is so sweet to look at. It's an infinite rewatchable classic.

Jan 1, 2025

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Thriller/Science Fiction film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Terminator 2: Judgment Day distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.

Director James Cameron brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1991, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Terminator 2: Judgment Day took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $102.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 137 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 195 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The costume department created over 466 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1991, when this film was released:
  • Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Terminator 2: Judgment Day shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Alien Hunter, which focuses more on action than character development, Terminator 2: Judgment Day subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Encrypt and Hard Times explore similar territory, Terminator 2: Judgment Day stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: July 3, 1991
  • Runtime: 2h 17m
  • Budget: $102,000,000
  • Revenue: $520,000,000

Where to Watch

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